NEW PORT RICHEY, FL (June 15, 2018) – New Port Richey Main Street is proud to announce the appointment of Marilynn deChant as the new executive director of the New Port Richey Main Street program effective July 1st 2018.

Ms. deChant was the first executive director of the downtown Main Street program from 1987 to 1997. She also previously served on city council from 2005-2009.

Throughout the years though, Ms. deChant continued to stay involved with city activities and events especially in the area of downtown redevelopment.

New Port Richey Main Street President Steve Schurdell noted that he remembered meeting Ms. deChant back in the late 80’s while she was the head of the New Port Richey Community Cooperative.

“She was full of energy, and had a love and vision for our downtown. Marilynn paved the way and set things in place for the city to receive designation as a Florida “Main Street” City.  Now as the downtown continues to blossom, it’s exciting to have someone with her ability step in to help take our Main Street Program to the next level.”

Mr. Schurdell added that he and the board are proud of the job past directors and volunteers have done keeping the program alive and active, even in the real estate and economic meltdown years of the mid to late 2000’s.

“During those trying economic times, Main Street never missed an event, and never stopped working to improve our downtown. In many ways we’ve gone “Back to the Future” bringing a person who was there at the beginning to lead us into the future. I am thrilled to have Marilynn on board,” continued Mr. Schurdell.

Ms. deChant will operate out of the New Port Richey Main Street office at 5837 Main Street in the heart of  historic downtown New Port Richey.  The NPR Main Street website is: www.nprMainStreet.com .

Anyone interested in becoming a board member or volunteering for Main Street committees or events can call (727) 842-8066 for details.